24th July - 21st August 2025

10am - 2pm

Join award winning author Sonia Orchard in the library at Duneira Estate for a "Write your own memoir course" In this 5-week course, participants will learn the basics of memoir writing and why it is such a powerful writing form. Exercises will be focused on helping participants find their own 'story', their voice and their style. They will also learn tips on scene setting, story-telling, and how to shape their narrative into a manuscript. Sonia excels at creating a safe space for writers (from beginners to experienced), and helping them build the confidence and create the plan they need to continue with their memoir writing beyond the classes.

https://www.soniaorchard.com.au/

11th June, 9th July, 23rd July, 13th August 2025

10am - 11.30am

Duneira is running guided Winter House tours showcasing Stuart Stoneman's extensive Art Collection. Stoneman was Duneira's last owner who, upon his death in 2002, bequeathed his estate and his collections to the care of the S.R.Stoneman Foundation.

Duneira is considered to be the 'jewel in the crown' of the few remaining grand hill stations left intact on Mt Macedon after the devasting bushfires of 1983. Along with the Stoneman Art Collection, the house features an extensive library, Persian rugs, grand pianos and interesting period furniture.

During this tour our knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the story of Duneira and it's six owners. This tour includes morning tea in the newly restored Stables.

Come along to Duneira Estate these Winter school holidays, as we host our first nature art classes for kids aged 8-13. We will walk around the Estate and explore the treasures of the garden, picking up leaves, flowers, moss, chestnuts and putting it all in our baskets to bring back into the stables, where we will be warm and cozy by the fire. Then we will draw and paint with watercolours all the treasures we discover in your own special nature journal that you can take home! Kids are welcome to bring a snack (no nuts please) and a water bottle, parents are welcome to stay.

3rd August 2025

2pm-4pm

Authors Cate Kennedy and Angela Savage share what they’re reading this winter—and they’d love to hear your recommendations too. Hosted in the loungeroom next to the fire, guests will enjoy a glass of wine.

Angela Savage is an award-winning writer and CEO of Public Libraries Victoria. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing, giving her the Bond villain-like name of Doctor Savage. Angela recently co-edited Spinning Around: The Kylie Playlist, an anthology inspired by Kylie Minogue songs. Her most recent novel is Mother of Pearl.

'Cate Kennedy has published work in a range of forms including a novel, two short story collections, a memoir and three poetry collections.  The most recent poetry book, “The Taste of River Water” was the winner of the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award in 2011.

Tickets available on the 21st of May

21st June 2025

10am - 12.30pm

Winter brings a vast array of green, red and orange foliage to Duneira Estate’s historic Grand Garden. Duneira Estate is an original colonial hill-station established in 1875 by wealthy pastoralist Suetonius Officer and is considered one of Mount Macedon’s most outstanding and significant property’s.

Join Melina Goddard as she demonstrates how to make a beautiful and sustainable wreath from Duneira’s abundance of natural materials, you will be able to take your wreath and a little part of Duneira Estate home with you. Guests will enjoy morning tea as we keep warm by the fire in the stables.